It is estimated that, globally, over a million birds and 100,000 marine mammals and turtles die every year from entanglement, or ingestion of plastics.

Living Coasts have adopted Beacon Cove next door to the site where we run a beach clean and survey four times a year. We also participate in the National coastal cleanup during the third weekend in September. The scheme is operated by the Marine Conservation Society and Living Coasts works in partnership with the MCS on a number of campaigns and initiatives. The beach cleans are run for Living Coasts by our Marine Heritage Range (LEMUR).

Torbay’s biggest beach clean

In September 2007, Living Coasts marine heritage ranger organized Torbay’s biggest ever beach clean with Torquay school students held.

175 students from Torquay Boys’ Grammar School joined staff from Living Coasts to take part in the volunteer clean-up at St Mary’s Bay beach, Brixham, on Friday 28th September.

Steve Margetts, Head of Davys House at the school, said: “We had a fantastic day. Not only did we collect a huge amount of rubbish, we also saw two seals and three bottlenose dolphins, including a calf. We called the day Dolphin Day beforehand – and it turned out to be just that! Interestingly, we found a number of fossils during the clean up, too, which was timely considering Torbay has just been awarded Geopark status.”

Living Coasts Presenter Gemma Cave added: “The day was a huge success! We collected about 80kg of rubbish, plus some hefty pieces of metal which were sharp and rusty and posed a public hazard. There was also plenty of small plastic pieces and fishing debris.”

A quick guide to beach cleans

The objective ‘To improve the living environment of the UK coast through positive action towards a greater public awareness and responsibility in our treatment of the environment’

Why beach clean:
Marine litter from plastics to sanitary items are fouling our beaches and polluting our oceans.
Marine litter kills wildlife such as seabirds and dolphins.
Beaches themselves are home to a diverse range of plants and animals.
The presence of litter reduces the aesthetic appeal of a beach thus impacting on tourism.
Marine litter is a worldwide problem and sometimes comes from international sources.
Marine litter is a global issue, at the root of which remain irresponsible individuals or businesses who fail to dispose of their waste correctly.

Safety first!
Gloves must be worn at all times.
Sharp objects such as syringes must be handled with care by an adult and placed into a rigid container.
Be careful on slippery rocks and when lifting heavy items.
Please avoid disturbing wild animals.
Make sure you know who to go to for First Aid
Do not enter the water!
Do not pick up animal faeces
Take care when lifting heavy bags and equipment

Recording data
The survey should be carried out between the high water mark and the upper edge of the beach. Every item of litter should be removed and recorded (even small pieces of plastic that may be mistaken for food by small fish).
‘clean’ areas should be checked too. A survey form is completed.
Items counted in a tally of five and record the total in the right-hand column (in number form).

Click here www.mcsuk.org to go to the Marine Conservation Society website